The second project is by the Pole, Oscar Zieta, confirmed international star whose work has been exhibited in Berlin, New York and at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Famous for his Ploop Stool which uses the FIDU technology, he has demonstrated that two steel plates can be cut, welded together and inflated to become solid but very light at the same time. He is in Lodz for the first time as a curator. "Underpressure" investigates the many inflatable applications that range from design to architecture. It includes the inflated sofa and chairs, Blow Sofa by Malafor, Fotel Blow (Zanotta), Inflating Lights by Erik Stehmann; Airboard, a sled designed Joe Steiner, confirms the happy origin of his best-known piece.
In addition to the two large exhibits, Marek Cacula curates "Table Tank," an overview of the ideal table enriched by objects in natural materials like wood, clay and flax as opposed to the more conceptual and imaginative interpretation envisioned by the design department at Fabrica with pieces investigating the sociological and anthropological aspects of today's idea of conviviality.
In conjunction with the major exhibitions are readings of portfolios by international editors and journalists, a fascinating presentation of contemporary jewelry design, bicycles designed by renowned designers like Kenzo Takada and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada and dozens of presentations relating to creative activity throughout the city. The festival also boasts an award: 20,000 PLN (approx. € 5,000) for the winner of "make me" the competition for young designers from 18 to 30 that has reached its third edition.
Presented at the Triennale during the Salone del Mobile, directed by Miska Lovegrove, Polish design is gaining fame and popularity abroad. Like her country, it is rich in contrasts, "from the technology used by Zieta to creations made with humble materials like felt and wood or ceramics. In a short time, Polish design has managed to establish itself abroad. Never having had the availability of great economic resources and being a relatively young discipline in our country, we are very attached to the crafts side of our production;" says Jacobson-Cielecka adding,"lately, the Polish government has felt the necessity to invest in this area and several courses have been established at some of the nation's art academies. We hope that the commitment of the Polish state will continue in this direction and that the sector can be given the opportunity to develop effectively and structurally. The Lodz Festival, which initially arose from the desire and passion of a very few, aims to position itself as a major international event." Maria Cristina Didero